Digital innovation hub Africa Beyond 4IR (AB4IR), in collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, will host a hackathon in Tshwane, to encourage the spirit of digital entrepreneurship in Gauteng townships.
The organisations are calling on software developers to join the three-day challenge, which will run from 16 to 18 April.
The hackathon will encourage developers to create technology-driven solutions to overcome problems faced by communities, and public and private sector organisations.
It seeks to motivate the youth to utilise solutions-driven technologies to solve societal obstacles and enhance digital entrepreneurship in the townships, while promoting critical thinking, and challenging the participants’ ability to conceptualise sustainable solutions under pressure.
The hackathon is open to all participants in Gauteng and will be hosted at the AB4IR premises in the Tshwane South TVET College, ODI Campus in Mabopane, Pretoria.
“Liquid Intelligent Technologies is committed to community development,” says Ben Roberts, group technology and innovation officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
“As a company that develops converged telecommunications networks to service customers, we are excited at the opportunity to work with AB4IR and unleash raw talent for the township communities.”
To date, more than 150 participants have registered to be part of the hackathon.
The programme for all three days includes facilitation and interaction with skilled industry expert facilitators, breakaway sessions for brainstorming, ideation and development of minimum viable product/prototype, pitching sessions and networking opportunities.
Participants will work individually or form a team with fellow attendees.
“Hackathons assist to generate fresh ideas and push participants out of their comfort zones to create unique solutions to the utmost pressing challenges,” says Kelebogile Molopyane, CEO of AB4IR.
“The solutions developed will play a vital role in overcoming complex challenges that face disadvantaged communities, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We are excited about our partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to host the hackathons and we cannot wait to see the solutions that the developers will come up with.”
Winning individuals or teams will walk away with the following cash prizes: R15 000 for first place, R10 000 for second and R5 000 for third place.
Interested parties can find more information on the event Web site.
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